Thank you for all of the articles. Keep them coming with careful attention to our guidelines. We are now on a monthly publication schedule. Articles for the next issue of the Michigan Libertarian must be submitted to chair@michiganlp.org, newsletter@michiganlp.org and vcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org no later than the 20th of each month. This allows for publication on the first of each month.
The Libertarian Party of Michigan depends on contributions to carry out it's mission Please Visit us at MichiganLP.org and scroll down to the bottom of our homepage to gain access to our contribution form.

__________________________

Take Part In History: Fall State Convention, Aug. 25

By Emily Salvette, Secretary

In previous election cycles, the Libertarian Party of Michigan (LPM) has nominated and selected candidates for state and federal offices at their convention held in the spring of the election year.

This year is different – and historic. For the first time in state history, the Libertarian Party will be on the ballot for Michigan’s August 7 primary, owing to the fact that we qualified for status as a major party with our number of votes for Gary Johnson in the 2016 election.

This first nominating convention, held under the same election laws as the Republican and Democratic Parties, will take place on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Wyndham Gardens Detroit Metro Airport.

News Briefs & Announcements

Libertarian Gubernatorial Debate scheduled for Wednesday, July 11th

Grand Rapids, MI -Another Debate has been scheduled between the Libertarian Party of Michigan gubernatorial candidates. The moderator will be Rick Albin, political reporter for WOOD TV 8 in Grand Rapids. We are doing all we can to drum up media coverage and attendees. Please alert all of your local news broadcasters and news publications about this event, and make an effort to attend this professionally-staged debate. Free parking is available in the GVSU lot.Libertarians John Tatar (Left) & Bill Gelineau (Right).

James Weeks II Selected as Chair of LPM Platform Committee

By Greg Stempfle

Kalamazoo, MI – At their Sunday June 3 meeting in Kalamazoo, the Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee (LEC), selected James Weeks II to chair of the 2018 Libertarian Party of Michigan (LPM) Platform Committee. Weeks, who serves as chairman of the Libertarian Party of Livingston County, previously chaired the Committee in 2015.

If you would like to serve on the Platform Committee or have any suggested amendments to the LPM platform please message James Weeks II or email him at j.weeks@riseup.net.James Weeks II at a free speech protest.

Delegates to the August 25th LPM State Convention in Romulus will vote on the proposed changes. The current platform of the LPM can be found here: https://michiganlp.org/platform/

LPOC Holds Outreach Booth at Ferndale Pride

By Ben Carr

Ferndale, MI – The Libertarian Party of Oakland County had a very successful outreach event at Ferndale Pride. Interaction was highly positive and we found many potential Libertarians through the World’s Smallest Political Quiz. The booth was run by the Chair, Gregory Stempfle. He was assisted by Vice-Chair, Ben Carr, as well as Anthony Croff, Jeff Wood, Drew Frydrych, and Mike Saliba. While not in attendance, Lisa Lane Gioia, Jeff Pittel, Tony Piccoli, and Scott A Boman, all contributed items for the event. Our thanks to all the members of the LPM who helped make our event a success.Libertarian Party of Oakland County members at Ferndale Pride Fest.

Straights Area Libertarian Party Modifies Date To Fulfill State Legal Requirements

Cheboygan , MI – The Straights Area Libertarian Party (SALP) will have its Affiliate Convention on Saturday 8/18 at 3:00 PM, Great Lakes Grill at 817 E State St. Cheboygan, MI 49721. For Updates visit: www.fb.com/StraitsAreaLP

James Hudler Awarded Honorary Life Membership In New Orleans

New Orleans, LA – On July third, the 2018 National Libertarian Party Convention delegates unanimously voted to award founding Libertarian Party of Michigan member, Dr. James “Jim” Hudler an honorary life membership in the national Libertarian Party. The motion was initiated by Michigan’s Political Director, Greg Stempfle.Jim Hudler (Left) & Greg Stempfle (Right) at “That Libertarian” Convention in New Orleans. Photo be Greg Stempfle.

Our America Initiative Mobilizes To Stop The Duopoly

By Scotty Boman, OAI Michigan Director

Our America Initiative’s latest project is directed to stopping the duopoly.
This terminology requires no translation to people involved in alternative party politics, but it refers to the exceptional dominance of the Democratic and Republican parties in this nation’s political landscape.Stop The Duopoly Facebook Profile Picture being used by Our America Initiative to promote this project.

Only Libertarians Are Talking Common Sense on Some Issues

By Bill Hall, State Chair

As we count down to the August 7 primary, it’s becoming increasingly clear where Libertarians differ from Republican and Democratic candidates on the important issues facing Michigan voters. And those areas of difference are where we need to focus our efforts to pick up voters disgusted with the status quo. Here are a few takeaways:

Corporate Welfare – The Mackinac Center recently published an amazing study, detailing how R and D legislators have voted for $16 billion of corporate welfare over the past 17 years. This is a bipartisan problem; those legislators who resisted the temptation to do so are few and far between. Click here to see how much the R or D you oppose in the general election voted to shell out to special interests. And share that information with the voters who were robbed to fund those handouts.

Libertarians Step Up as Only Alternatives To R's & D's At Back-To-Back Lansing Events

By Scotty Boman, Editor

SBAM Excludes Libertarians; Gelineau Makes Lemonade From Lemons

Lansing, MI – The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) had their Annual meeting on June 21st in Lansing. It was supposed to include 5-minute speeches from each of the primary election candidates for Governor. There are three parties in the primary, but candidates from only two parties were invited to speak. Libertarians Bill Gelineau and John Tatar were shut out.

In the days leading up to the event, news reports and website confirmation showed that the SBAM planned an event on June 21, in which “the 7 candidates for Governor” would be given an opportunity to present to the conference, and Libertarians had not been invited.

John Tatar Makes Second Amendment March Into A Bi-Partisan Event

Lansing, MI – Libertarian John Tatar was one of only five primary candidates for governor to speak at a June 20th gun rally; the other four were Republicans. The event, held at the Michigan Capitol, was called the “Second Amendment March” and was organized by Freedom Firearms co-owner Joel Fulton of Battle Creek.

Tatar team member Ernie Speck commented on a Facebook photo, “My friend retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Tatar speaking at the Second Amendment March rally state at the Michigan Capitol Lansing. John is a candidate of Governor for the state of Michigan. John is a statesman, and by the reaction of the crowd his speech was the best received by those attending.”

__________________________

Ellison Arrested And Charged For Protesting Royal Oak Homicide

By Scotty Boman

Editor’s note: This article concerns a candidate seeking the Libertarian Party nomination through the primary system. The Michigan Libertarian provides fair coverage of any Libertarian Party of Michigan member who is seeking the nomination through this process without endorsing one candidate over another, or the candidate’s views.

Royal Oak, MI – Libertarian Congressional candidate in District 8, Brian Ellison was arrested on June 2ndwhile protesting the homicide of Royal Oak resident Antonino “Nino” Gordon. The arrest took place at a Royal Oak charity event called “Run with the Cops.” Gordon’s alleged killer, Keith Richard Beirenga, is a suspended Royal Oak Police Officer who was on duty on April 10th when he allegedly killed Gordon.

Ellison was charged with Disrupting Government Operations, and Resisting or Obstructing a Police Officer. Both infractions are misdemeanors. Prior to being charged, the arresting officer said Ellison would be charged with disorderly conduct, and officers had also suggested trespassing charges. Ellison claims, “There was nothing disorderly about my conduct, so they had to make up a new charge after I was in custody… This was either a private event or a “government operation” but it can’t be both.”

A Candidate's View On Freedom

By Katie Nepton, Libertarian Candidate for State Senate in District 24

Editor’s note: This article has been submitted by a candidate seeking the Libertarian Party nomination through the primary system. The Michigan Libertarian provides equal access to any Libertarian Party of Michigan member who is seeking the nomination through this process without endorsing one candidate over another or the candidates’ views.

I believe in freedom. I believe each American should be given as much freedom in running their lives as possible. I believe every time we take away any freedom we undo the possibilities of tomorrow.

More specifically I believe in the freedom to marry the person you choose; I believe in the freedom to have access to medical procedures and medical products; and the freedom to do with your body as you see fit.

Marriage should be open to all adults, and only adults. The right to divorce should exist. The right to have an abortion should exist. The right to end one’s life should exist. The right to ask for help, from a trained medical professional, in ending your life should exist. The right for that trained medical professional to assist someone in achieving their death on their own terms and at their own time should exist.

Some events are also posted by their hosts at the Meetup.com site. It is recommended that you contact an officer for an affiliate or check the Website (or Facebook page) associated with the meeting host (if they have one) before arriving at a meeting. Some meetings can get canceled, or locations can change with short notice. Contact information connected to most events can be found by expanding the item on the "Agenda view" of the Events page of our website.

July 11, 2018 - Libertarian Gubernatorial Debate, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
GVSU Seidman College of Business Management Department. 50 Front Ave SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
Another Debate has been scheduled between the Libertarian Party of Michigan gubernatorial candidates. The moderator will be Rick Albin, political reporter for WOOD TV 8 in Grand Rapids. We are doing all we can to drum up media coverage and attendees. Please alert all of your local news broadcasters and news publications about this event, and make an effort to attend this professionally-staged debate. Free parking is available in the GVSU lot. Hosted by Libertarian Party of West Michigan

July 12, 2018 - Dinner & Dialogue: MI House of Representatives Candidate Forum, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PMThis is not an official LPM Event, but may may be of interest to some members. Detroit Police Athletic League Headquarters Banquet Hall. 1680 Michigan Avenue. Detroit, MI 48216.
All primary candidates (Yes that includes Libertarians) are invited if they have a ditrict that includes some portion of Detroit. The event is free, but advance registration is required: Event Website

July 13-15, 2018 - Blissfest Outreach, Dana will be at Blissfest (Emmet County), 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
If you wish to join her - you will need tickets. The event website is: blissfest.org The event appears to be sold out so contact Dana for special vendor ticket arraingements. Blissfest is not an LPM event, but may be of interest to some members.
For more information, contact Dana Carver at: danacarver103@yahoo.com

August 2, 2018 - Libertarian Party of Livingston County monthly social meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cleary's Pub, 117 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Catch up with each other at 7 while we order food and introduce any visitors. Occasionally, we will have a guest speaker.

August 2, 2018 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County monthly meeting, 6:30 PM social, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM meeting
This will serve as our Fall county convention to select delegates to the August 25th state convention.
The Daly In The Alley outreach table and last-minute primary campaign activities will be discussed.
Tijuana Mexican Kitchen (West of Southfield Rd.) 18950 Ford Rd. Detroit, MI 48228